Page 118 of We Redeemed the Rain

Tag straightened and his hand slid to the back of my shoulder, pulling me around to face Tillie’s backside.

A hoof. I slapped a hand over my mouth to contain a squeal of excitement. I almost dropped the phone, pulling up the camera app as quickly as I could.

It all happened so fast. The hooves, the head, the body.

We were rapt, silently captivated by Tillie’s calm and the serene, beautiful arrival of Meadowbrook’s newest addition.

Only when the foal lay in a heap on the stall floor did I realize the way I was gripping Tag’s bicep and feel the tears pouring down my cheeks. One dripped off my chin as I looked at Tag, who had tears in his own eyes.

The sweet foal was dark colored, just like her mama. When the foal sat up, its little ears quivered and the placenta rolled away. Mama and baby laid together. After a few short moments, Tillie reached back and greeted her baby for the first time.

Tag couldn’t tear his eyes away from them, the smile on his face wide and wobbling with emotion.

I put both hands on the phone to keep it steady in my shaky hands.

“They’re so beautiful.” I must’ve whispered those words a hundred times.

He looked back at the foal and nodded. Then swiped his shoulder against his cheek.

After a few minutes, Tag slowly approached and knelt beside Tillie, running his hand down her side. “So proud of you, girl. You did real good.” He sniffed. “Your little one looks just like you.”

It only took a little while for Tillie to stand up. She moved about the stall, repeatedly turning to lick and nuzzle her foal. Tag and I stood back against the wall, watching, whispering, and reliving the moment over and over with tears in our eyes.

But then I stopped breathing.

Because he turned toward me, only a few inches away. His knuckles swiped over the back of my hand, like he was toying with the idea of entwining our fingers. He said, voice low and taut, “Bea, I wanted to tell you that—you bein’ here at the ranch has meant everything to me.”

I sucked a breath.

“These have been some of the best weeks of my life.”

Our gazes tangled, his knuckles pressed into mine, and smiles lifted our cheeks. The way he was looking at me told a truth I didn’t know if my heart was big enough to contain.

Hold my hand.

Heat dumped over my body.

His fingers spread to make space for me, and my entire body clenched with thrill in response. Before I could accept his invitation, a truck rumbled up the drive.

Penny.

Tag pulled away.

When Penny came in, Tag recounted the full story, unable to fully tamp down the emotions. His gaze darted my way now and then, his acknowledgment bringing back my smile every time.

I loved this man. Doubts melted away. I believed, with my entire heart, that he loved me, too.

My heart soared.

When the excitement of the foaling settled, I finally got around to looking at my phone as Tag and I drove through the ranch for the morning feeding.

There was an email from Jerry.

Good Morning,

Just wanted you to know we signed on another singer since I haven’t been able to get in touch with you. Best of luck in your endeavours.

Jerry Trace

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